Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday, departing Washington after talks with the Biden administration. Senior US government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired. The send-off is being noted as a ceremonial gesture, with observers weighing what the visit signals for future US-China relations.

Iran says a draft agreement with the United States would include a waiver on oil sanctions, limits on its nuclear programme and the release of frozen assets. The outline, if confirmed, would mark a significant step toward easing tensions and restoring Iranian oil exports. Details of the draft have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether Washington has accepted the terms as described by Tehran.

US and Israeli interests over Iran are increasingly diverging, according to reporting by The Jerusalem Post. The analysis points to growing gaps between Washington and Jerusalem on how to handle Iran, particularly around its nuclear programme and regional influence. Observers are watching whether the longstanding strategic alignment between the two allies can hold as their priorities drift apart.

Donald Trump said the United States will soon 'win' its conflict with Iran, predicting that oil prices will fall once the fighting ends and suggesting fresh strikes could come before the US midterm elections. The comments add to speculation over whether Washington will escalate military action against Tehran, with energy markets and voters watching closely for signs of what happens next.

Sudan is effectively governed by two rival powers, with the army-backed administration controlling much of the formal state apparatus while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces rules territory under its control. Washington has signalled it recognises neither side as legitimate constitutional governance, leaving the country with authorities but no internationally endorsed government.

The United States has signed a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia that could permit the kingdom to enrich its own uranium, dropping the so-called 'gold standard' non-proliferation safeguards Washington required of the UAE in 2009. Lawmakers from both parties are raising alarms that the agreement could weaken non-proliferation norms and accelerate nuclear development across the Middle East.

Iranian officials have signalled openness to diplomatic talks while warning the country is 'fully prepared' for war should the United States launch an attack. The dual message underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iran framing diplomacy as its preferred path but stressing military readiness as a deterrent.

President Trump's nominee-ambassador to NATO says Ukraine's strikes inside Russia are pressuring Vladimir Putin toward the negotiating table. The comments frame Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory as strengthening Kyiv's position rather than provoking escalation. The remarks add to debate in Washington and Europe over whether deep strikes into Russia should be encouraged or restrained.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US officials as tensions with the Houthis escalate. The visit comes at a sensitive moment for regional security, with the Kingdom and the United States expected to discuss the Houthi escalation and broader coordination. Details of the meeting agenda and participants have not been announced.

President Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran for a seven-day plan, keeping tensions between Washington and Tehran in the spotlight. The refusal comes amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear programme and regional escalation, and observers are watching to see whether diplomacy can continue or if the standoff will harden further.

Mike Waltz says the United States offered to sell Iran uranium for its civilian nuclear programme. The statement sheds light on negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear activities. It comes as discussion continues over proposals to curb Iran's nuclear work in exchange for economic and energy-related benefits.

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to a New York Times report. The move marks a break with an international agreement intended to coordinate global readiness for health emergencies, and it is drawing attention to widening gaps between Washington and the U.N. on global health policy.

Iran is publicly insisting it still seeks a diplomatic resolution after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The story is being carried widely by international outlets including Reuters, Al-Monitor and Ynetnews, highlighting concerns that the deadlock could escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing calls for negotiations.

Sudan's government says it will not yield to 'pressure or blackmail' after the United States refused to grant a visa to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, blocking him from attending the UN General Assembly in New York. The move escalates tensions between Washington and Khartoum amid the country's ongoing civil conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks suggesting that the world's major powers have overstated their strength, saying 'their power isn't so super'. The comments are being read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump and Washington's unilateral approach to global affairs. The speech has drawn wide attention as a rare rebuke of great-power politics from the UN's top official.

Iran's president has declared that the United States must decide whether it wants an end to the war, placing responsibility for a ceasefire on Washington. The statement came as the Russian and Iranian foreign ministers agreed that only a diplomatic settlement could resolve the Middle East tension sparked by the US-Israeli conflict against Iran. The exchange underscores growing international pressure for negotiations as the conflict continues.

Donald Trump has confirmed that a meeting took place between US officials and an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The talks signal a possible opening in tensions between the two countries, with Doha positioning itself as a key mediator. Observers are watching closely for what the engagement could mean for regional stability and nuclear negotiations.

A former British prime minister has cautioned that Iran may be underestimating Donald Trump's determination, warning that misjudging his resolve could have serious consequences amid tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. The remarks come as international attention remains focused on the possibility of renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Democratic lawmakers are publicly pledging to challenge the Israeli government over escalating violence against Palestinians, describing the situation as 'out of control'. The vow signals growing friction within the US political establishment over Washington's traditionally strong support for Israel, and points to increased congressional scrutiny of Israel's conduct toward Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Israel is pushing for a United States-led international force to take on the task of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Responsible Statecraft. The proposal would shift responsibility for neutralising the armed group's arsenal away from the Lebanese state and onto an American-led mission. The idea raises questions about Lebanon's sovereignty, the role of the Lebanese army, and whether Washington would accept such an open-ended security commitment.

A US envoy has explained Washington's reasons for turning down an Iranian offer concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had reportedly proposed arrangements tied to the strategic waterway, a chokepoint for global oil shipments, but the United States declined the overture. The envoy's remarks shed light on US thinking amid ongoing tensions with Tehran and stalled diplomatic efforts, though details of the offer and the rationale remain limited.

A divide has emerged between United Nations bodies and Washington policymakers over how artificial intelligence should be governed, with leaders offering competing visions for oversight of the fast-moving technology. The disagreement highlights ongoing international tension over whether AI regulation should be coordinated globally or shaped primarily by national interests and domestic policy priorities.

Donald Trump warned Iran it could be 'annihilated' if it resumes its nuclear programme, and an Iranian delegate's visibly stark response to the remarks was caught on camera. The clip is circulating widely, with viewers weighing what it signals about tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear negotiations and military threats.

Iranian leaders are delivering strong anti-American statements while in New York, reportedly during the UN General Assembly gathering. The defiant rhetoric comes as relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained, drawing attention to the state of Iran-US diplomacy and whether talks between the two countries are possible.

Roughly $600 million worth of Iranian oil seized by the United States earlier in the war may soon be transferred to American custody, according to a Fortune report. The cargo, taken during enforcement actions tied to the conflict, could represent one of the larger oil seizures of the war, and any move by Washington to take possession is likely to draw a strong reaction from Tehran.

The United States has turned down an Iranian proposal intended to end the war, citing disputes over sanctions. US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Washington offered to supply uranium for Iran's civilian nuclear program, but Iran refused the arrangement. The rejection highlights the gap between the two sides over how Tehran's nuclear activities would be managed as part of any settlement.

A US diplomat has explained the reasoning behind President Donald Trump's decision to turn down Iran's latest ceasefire proposal, according to NDTV. The rejection points to continued friction between Washington and Tehran over the terms of any truce. Details of the diplomat's account and the specific objections to the plan were not included in the available material.